2015 Ford Mustang goes global at 50

The 2015 will come in 3 engine options: the 5.0 GT V8, making 420 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque; 3.7-liter V6 that makes 305 horsepower, same as the 2.3-liter EcoBoost, which generates more torque than in the V6.

The 2015 will come in 3 engine options: the 5.0 GT V8, making 420 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque; 3.7-liter V6 that makes 305 horsepower, same as the 2.3-liter EcoBoost, which generates more torque than in the V6. (Ford Motor Co)

The 2015 will come in 3 engine options: the 5.0 GT V8, making 420 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque; 3.7-liter V6 that makes 305 horsepower, same as the 2.3-liter EcoBoost, which generates more torque than in the V6.

The 2015 will come in 3 engine options: the 5.0 GT V8, making 420 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque; 3.7-liter V6 that makes 305 horsepower, same as the 2.3-liter EcoBoost, which generates more torque than in the V6. (Ford Motor Co)

Mustang shook up the muscle car field this spring when it debuted with a choice of a 300 horsepower V-6, 305 horsepower turbo-four, and 420 horsepower V8 engines...and a standard independent rear suspension.

Mustang shook up the muscle car field this spring when it debuted with a choice of a 300 horsepower V-6, 305 horsepower turbo-four, and 420 horsepower V8 engines...and a standard independent rear suspension. (Ford Motor Co)

Nearly 50 years of production and 9 million cars sold have led Ford back to some of its core design principles with the 2015 Mustang. Yet there is no doubt that the sixth generation of the iconic American pony car is, like its predecessors, responsive to the times.

The Mustang’s instant popularity when it debuted in 1964 created the pony class, which is a reasonably-priced smaller but still powerful sports car, that Ford has readied for a global marketplace. It is expect to go on sale in late Spring 2014 in four continents.

The fastback and convertible retain the long nose and stub butt, though a lower, wider stance offset by a reduction in roof height is in store. The nose features twin vents, and though the Mustang overbite returned to prominence in the fifth generation, which lasted from 2005 to 2014, the 2015’s grille is shaped like the Fusion. It’s an aggressive, almost menacing fascia, though, so it’s all Mustang.

In the rear, three vertical bars of each taillight taper down the horizontal lines. The taillights house sequential turn signals.

Inside, the wider stance offers more shoulder and hip room, though how much headroom has been lost, if any, remains unclear. The latest Mustang is going to get the latest gadgetry, including the option of a My Ford Touch infotainment system with a touch screen. There will be knobs and buttons, too. Toggle switches on the steering wheel promise to let you fidget with Selectable Drive Modes and vehicle information control systems.

Yes, a 4 cylinder

In another sign of the times, Ford will offer a smaller 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine along with the expected 3.7-liter V6 and “five oh” V8.

With direct fuel injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger, the EcoBoost promises to deliver performance and best-in-pony-class fuel economy (25 mpg combined?), according to Ford. It’s the first turbocharged four-cylinder Mustang since the 1986 SVO, according to Car and Driver. The 4-cylinder was deemed unMustang-like and excluded from the fourth generation design of 1994.

And this may tear Mustang legions apart. Maybe it’s to appeal to a broader demographic than the male American Mustang base, which, incidentally, is most popular in Texas, according to data provided by Edmunds. Maybe it’s because the marketplace has demonstrated a preference for economy and performance. Maybe it’s the whole global thing.

Even though 4-cylinders have come a long way in 20 years, Ford added several safeguards to “withstand the added stresses” and placate a skeptical home crowd.

The only question is if the EcoBoost can overcome preconceptions.

The Five Oh remains the same

The “five oh” V8 is much more comfortable ground. Upgrades include larger intake and exhaust valves, revised camshafts and other stuff that are projected to produce more than 420 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, which is the same as the 2013 5.0-liter with VCT.

All the engines will feature maximum aspiration with four valves per cylinder and the accompanying twin cam. Twin variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) improves exhaust emissions and, on the intake side, brings in optimized air levels to increase power and torque. All options are rear-wheel drive. The six-speed remains, but automatic transmissions get party favors—I mean paddle shifters—and the shift lever for manual transmissions has been moved closer to the driver and away from the cupholders.

3.7-liter V6

2.3-liter EcoBoost I4

5.0-liter V8

Horsepower (projected)

305 @ 6,500 rpm

305 @ 5,500 rpm

420 @ 6,500 rpm

Torque

270 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

300 lb-ft @ 2,500-4,500

390 lb-ft @4,250 rpm

As with the first Mustang, whether you call it an early 1965 or a 1964 1/2, Ford rolled out bigger engine options shortly thereafter. Mustang fans should expect, based on hearsay and historical precedent, higher-performance Mustangs in months and years to come. If those get demanded overseas, then the Mustang’s newest era may be its greatest.

Nearly 50 years of production and 9 million cars sold have led Ford back to some of its core design principles with the 2015 Mustang. Yet there is no doubt that the sixth generation of the iconic American pony car is, like its predecessors, responsive to the times. Read more>>